Lautenberg Was 'Committed to Serving Nation'

Local elected officials immediately responded to the news that Frank Lautenberg, who was in the midst of his fifth term in the US Senate, died from complications related to viral pneumonia at a New York hospital early Monday. The 89-year-old Democrat was the last veteran of World War II serving in the US Senate and its oldest member.

“The passing of Senator Frank Lautenberg silences a voice committed to serving the people of this nation, and in particular, the people of New Jersey.  He fought hard for his beliefs, always willing to speak out in pursuit of legislation that would improve the lives of his constituents,” said Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, a North Ward native. 

Considered one of Congress’s most liberal members, Lautenberg’s issues and backstory resonated with many Newarkers. The son of poor Jewish immigrants, Lautenberg grew up in Paterson and spent much of his time as a lawmaker advocating on behalf of low-income, inner-city families. 

“Senator Lautenberg never forgot his roots as he tirelessly dedicated his life to helping the people of New Jersey and making our great state a better place to live,” said Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-Newark).

“Thanks to Senator Lautenberg, we have cleaner air to breathe and water to drink.  Our airports and highways have been improved and are more secure.  As a result of his accomplished work on gun safety, he has made our neighborhoods a safer place for our families and our children to work and live,” Payne added, acknowledging Lautenberg’s most enduring legacy as a an advocate for stricter gun control and environmental laws.

Late last year, a feisty Lautenberg took Mayor Cory Booker to task after Booker announced his intention to seek Lautenberg’s Senate seat, which Lautenberg very publicly deemed a breach of etiquette since Lautenberg had not yet announced his plans for 2014. 

Booker, however, never responded in kind, always speaking respectfully of the veteran lawmaker. Ultimately,  Lautenberg did decide against seeking reelection next year.

“Today, the American people lost a true champion.  For three decades, Senator Frank Lautenberg worked to make America a stronger, healthier and safer place to live. His legacy will endure for generations,” Booker said Monday.

“Senator Lautenberg was a model of leadership and service to me since before I even considered entering elected office. He was a passionate advocate for New Jersey and a crucial and tireless partner who always delivered for the people of Newark. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lautenberg family.”

Other officials remember Lautenberg for his advocacy of laws intended to save lives through regulation of personal behavior like smoking and drinking. In the early 1980s Lautenberg championed regulations prohibiting smoking on airplanes and in public buildings, part of the first wave of legislation that has since seen tobacco use prohibited in virtually all indoor spaces.

“Today, is a sad day for New Jersey and for America. Sen. Frank Lautenberg was a fighter whose legacy in Washington will be felt for years to come. He alone is responsible for saving countless lives because of his courageous stand to take on the tobacco lobby and ban smoking on airplanes,” said Stephen Adubato, the founder of the North Ward Center.